Optical media pick and process

ABSTRACT

A pick for a compact disc controller is provided in which a tip of the pick defines a plurality of flexible outer wall segments. An internal plunger is used to expand the wall segments in a radial direction, thereby retaining a CD onto the outer perimeter of the pick. Upon release of the plunger, the pick returns to its original dimensions and thereby releases the CD.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed towards an apparatus and process for theselective engagement and release of a optical media disc such as acompact disc. The improved pick apparatus and operating processfacilitates a rapid and accurate engagement of a single optical discfrom a stack of discs and facilitates a transport of the engaged disc toa desired location, followed by the release of the disc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compact discs are plastic discs on which data may be recorded by astamping process or a laser process in which binary information isstored by selectively burning small areas along circumferential trackson the disc. Conventional compact discs are about 12 cm in diameter,although various sizes of discs are becoming more common.

Irrespective of size, blank media discs, including CD, CD-R, and videodiscs, all undergo a similar recording process. Such processes typicallyinvolve a CD transporter having multiple bins for holding a quantity ofstacked CDs. A positioner is used to place a CD to a desired position orlocation where the CD may be burned, labeled, and otherwise manipulated.

A variety of CD transport devices are known within the art as seen inreference to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,734,629 and 5,919,918, assigned to RimageCorporation, and which are incorporated herein by reference. The RimageCorporation reference teaches a pick device in the form of a gripperhaving three expandable and contractable fingers for insertion into thecenter of a hole of the CD. The fingers expand and grasp the CD by itscenter hole for movement. The movement of the gripper fingers bycontrolled by a solenoid and computer processor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,216, assigned to Cedar Technologies, Inc., andincorporated herein by reference, discloses a CD transport mechanismwhich uses a picking device to move individual discs between the variousbins and stations. The Cedar Technologies reference uses a rotatingplate to engage three fingers inserted into the hub of a CD. Thefingers, in response to movement of a circular pivot plate, provide aselective engagement and release of the CD. The operation of the pickdesign requires a number of inter-connected moving parts which adds tothe complexity and cost of the pick.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,692 to Costas, incorporated herein by reference,discloses an apparatus and method for picking up a single compact discfrom a stack of compact discs. The pick device uses three verticalopposing members that may be independently moved to form a taperedtriangular section. Upon engagement of all three arms with the hub ringof the CD, the uppermost CD may be moved by the withdrawal of the armsfrom the stack of CDs. The Costas reference teaches that the center armsare preferably formed of stainless steel and provides means of movingeach of the three arms in an independent manner. Such an arrangementadds to the mechanical complexity and cost of the pick apparatus.

While the above references represent advancements within the field of CDpicks and automated systems for the manufacturing and recording of dataon a CD, there remains room for variation and improvement in the art. Inparticular, there remains a need for a reliable CD pick which utilizes aminimum number of moving parts, may be constructed of low costmaterials, and affords a high degree of reliability and maintenance-freeoperation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved pick foruse with optical media such as CDs and video discs which is economicalto construct and operate and which further provides for reliable andrapid operation. One such apparatus can be provided by an apparatus forengaging the center hub of an optical media disc comprising:

a pick having a first end, a second end, and defining a sleevetherebetween, the first end defining a base adapted for attachment to apositioning member and the second end defining a tip;

an axial passage defined by the pick and extending the length of thepick, the axial passage further defining an interior cross-sectionalarea along the base and the sleeve which is greater than thecross-sectional area of the axial passage defined within the tip;

the tip defining a plurality of slits, each one of said plurality ofslits positioned substantially equidistance from each of an adjacentslit;

the tip defining a circular notch within an exterior surface of the tip;

wherein when the tip of the pick is inserted into a hub aperture of amedia disc, the tip is pushed outwardly by a plunger inserted throughthe sleeve and engaging the axial passage wall of the tip, therebypressing the notch against the hub, and securing the media disc to thepick.

It is yet another feature of the present invention to provide animproved process for the sequential handling of a single CD through themultiple positioning steps associated with burning in and printing ablank CD with data. One such process is provided by the steps comprisingAn apparatus for the selective engagement and release of a center hub ofan optical media disc comprising:

a pick defining an axial passage therethrough, the pick having a firstterminus and a second terminus, the second terminus defining a barbedhead having a plurality of axially defined segments, each segment formedby a pair of slits extending substantially along the length of thebarbed head; and,

a groove defined by an exterior wall of the barbed head.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forthmore particularly in the remainder of the specification, includingreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a optical media pick device of thepresent invention as seen in reference to a CD duplication/printer.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical media pick device positionedalong a bottom of a drive arm. FIG. 3 is a side view of a partialsection of the pick arm as seen in reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 a is an enlarged view in partial section of the optical mediapick device.

FIG. 4 b is a view similar to FIG. 4 a showing additional details ofconstruction and operation of the pick device.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of FIG. 4 b showing additional details of thepin and ball plunger arrangement used to expand the tip of the pick forengaging an optical media device.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing an alternative embodiment ofthe engagement by the pick of an optical media disc.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment, can be used on another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, andaspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following detaileddescription. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the artthat the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodimentsonly and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the presentinvention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplaryconstructions.

In describing the various figures herein, the same reference numbers areused throughout to describe the same material, apparatus or processpathway. To avoid redundancy, detailed descriptions of much of theapparatus once described in relation to a figure is not repeated in thedescriptions of subsequent figures, although such apparatus or processis labeled with the same reference numbers.

As best seen in reference to FIG. 1, a CD recorder and transporter 10 isprovided for recording optical media discs such as compact discs andvideo discs. The recorder 10 comprises at least one CD drive 12 having are-closable drawer 13 for receiving a single CD thereon. The magazine14, seen here as a three-pronged holder is adapted for housing aplurality of CDs 16, each CD 16 defining a central hub ring 17.

The CD transporter 10 further supports a spindle 18 for receiving in asequential manner a supply of burned-in CDs. An overhead arm 20 is usedto position a pick 40 from a first location which operatively engages anuppermost CD 15 from the stack of CDs 16 and positions the CD to asecond location which is in alignment with the open CD drive 13.Following recording of appropriate information on CD 15, arm 20 and pick40 will again engage the now recorded CD 15 and transport the CD to athird location by placement and release of the CD onto spindle 18.

The movement of arm 20 is controlled by an actuator 26, actuator 26allowing movement of arm 20 along the length of rail 22. Further,actuator 26 provides rotational movement of arm 20 about rail 22. Arm 20may be attached to actuator 26 along the pivot 24 in a manner that willbe described in more detail below. Rail 22 is maintained in position byan “L”-shaped bracket formed by an upright 28 and an overhead supportmember 29.

As seen in reference to FIG. 1, the CD handling equipment referencedabove is mounted along an upper surface of a housing 30. An interior ofhousing 30 contains a microprocessor, key pad input, and conventionalcontrol systems as well known in the art to operate the CD drive andcopying equipment.

In reference now to FIG. 2, the arm 20 is seen engaging an optical mediapick 40. Pick 40 is mounted by its base 42 to a surface of arm 20 usingconventional attachment hardware such as threaded bolts. As better seenin reference to FIGS. 3–6, FIG. 4 a further defines a sleeve 44 whichconnects the base 42 to a terminal tip 46. Pick 40 defines a first axialpassage 48 extending from the base 42 and through sleeve 44. Hereafter,the passage narrows via a taper to a reduced diameter passage 50 whichtraverses a flat terminus 64 of tip 46. Tip 46 and sleeve 44 furtherdefines a plurality of axial slits 51. Slits 51 are in communicationwith the interior passages 48 and 50. Preferably, these slits 51 bisectthe tip into at least two substantially equal halves. As illustrated inthe preferred embodiment, the tip 46 is divided into four substantiallyequal segments 53.

In one embodiment seen in reference FIG. 4 a, tip 46 defines an outertapered surface 56 to guide and align CD 15 that terminates along anupper end with a notch 58. Notch 58 defines a circumferential groove onthe exterior of tip 46. Tip 46 further defines an enlarged barb region62 that is present along the opposite side of notch 58, barb 62providing a stop mechanism when the tip is inserted into the hub of aCD. Reference lines “D” represent the diameter of the hub ring 17 of thealigned CD 15 and as illustrated, the diameter of ring 17 is slightlygreater than the diameter of notch 58. An upper wall of barb 62 servesas a stop so as to maintain a desired position (FIG. 4 b) in which theCD is substantially co-planer with the notch 58. As illustrated, anoptional ring 60, such as a resilient “O”-ring, may be placed within thenotch and has been found to offer improved performance of the pick.While the preferred embodiment of the tip 46 and tapered surfaces 56 arein reference to circular or conical structures, it is readily understoodand appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that anygeometric shape may be used which conforms to a similar shaped hubportion of a CD 15.

Pick 40 selectively engages and releases an individual CD 15 by anoutward displacement of the segments 53. As seen in FIG. 4 a, a plungerprovided by a combination seen here as a pin 52 and ball 54, is housedwithin the passage 48 of the pick base and sleeve. In response to asolenoid 55, the pin 52 is extended axially toward tip 46, therebypressing ball 54 against the narrower, tapering walls of the upperportion of passage 50. The diameter of ball 54 exceeds the diameter ofpassage 50, and thereby the ball pressure displaces each segment 53 in aradial direction as indicated by the directional arrows in FIG. 4 b. Thedisplacement places the notch 58 and ring 60 in engagement with thecircular wall of hub 17, thereby securing the CD to the pick. Thedimensions of notch 58 are such that only a single CD will be engaged.Further, the taper 56, beneath notch 58, facilitates the engagement ofonly a single CD from a stack of CDs.

Pick 40, carrying CD 15 may be positioned to a desired second location.The CD is released from pick 40 by the disengagement of thesolenoid-controlled pin. As a result, the release of pressure on ball 54allows the segments 53 to return to their original position in which theCD is no longer engaged.

Pick 40 may be constructed from plastic, nylon, or any similar materialthat maintains its flexibility over a large number of repeated flexingand expansion cycles. Further, the preferred materials of plastic ornylon are easily molded and/or cut to a desired shape. However, the pick40 is not limited in construction to solely these materials inasmuch asmetals, composites, and combinations of materials maybe used toconstruct a pick which may operate in a similar manner.

“O”-ring 60 has been found to improve the reliability of the engagementand the release of a CD from the notch 58. A resilient “O”-ring 60provides a counteracting compressive force to the tip of pick 40.Accordingly, when the plunger is released from engagement with theinterior passageways the “0”-ring helps restore the segments 53 to theiroriginal relaxed position. Similarly, the tapered surface 56 of tip 46has been found to facilitate the engagement of a CD hub. However, withthe precise alignment of the pick to the reference CD, the profile oftip 46 could be provided by a non-tapered, cylindrical wall. Tip 46could further define a round or arcuate surface.

As seen in reference to FIG. 3, arm 20 may be attached to actuator 26via a pivot attachment 24. This arrangement provides a useful controlmechanism such that when arm 20 and pick 40 engage a CD, arm 20 willpivot upwardly. A sensor 32, such as a light sensor may be used todetect the upward movement of arm 20. The sensor 32 will signal actuator26 that arm 20 and pick 40 are in a proper position and thereby stopsfurther movement along rail 22. The signal from sensor 32 will be usedto further signal the required activation/deactivation of solenoid 55 soas to bring about the engagement or release of the reference CD. Thecontrol and regulation of pick 40 may be controlled through anelectrical connection port 34 (FIG. 3) which allows for electricalinterface to the autoloader unit's microprocessor based controllerhaving appropriate software and hardware for regulating the CDcontroller cam.

The use of a plunger to selectively expand a resilient tip of the pickaffords a simple, economical and reliable apparatus which can be used inconjunction with a wide variety of commercial equipment. While thepassages 48 and 50 defined within the interior of pick 40 are seen assimple, tapered cylindrical passages, the shape of the passages could bevaried. Similarly, the shape of the plunger and plunger tip could bevaried if needed to facilitate the engagement and outward expansion ofthe tip segments. While the plunger is seen as a two-piece structure ofa pin 52 and ball 54, it is envisioned that a unitary plunger could beprovided having a shaft portion and a terminal head, the head engagingwalls of passage 50. Upon disengagement of the plunger by the solenoid,the unitary plunger would be withdrawn and the flexible tip 46 willreassume initial configuration.

It is further understood and appreciated by those having ordinary skillin the art, that the above description and embodiments are directed to astandard sized CD. As dimensions and specifications within the opticalmedia disc industry change, the dimensions of the pick may be variedaccordingly to address these changes.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been describedusing specific terms, devices, and methods, such description is forillustrative purposes only. The words used are words of descriptionrather than of limitation. It is to be understood that changes andvariations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit or the scope of the present invention, whichis set forth in the following claims. In addition, it should beunderstood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged,both in whole or in part. Therefore, the spirit and scope of theappended claims should not be limited to the description of thepreferred versions contained therein.

1. An apparatus for engaging a center hub of an optical media disccomprising: a pick having a base, a tip, and an inter-connecting stem,the pick defining an axial passage defined along at least a portion ofits length, the tip further defining a plurality of slits, each of saidslits extending a length of the tip and at least a portion of said stem,each slit in communication with the axial passage; a plunger housedwithin and operatively engaging the axial passage, the plunger defininga terminal head having a cross-sectional area greater than thecross-sectional area of a portion of the axial passage defined by thetip; wherein, when the plunger engages the axial passage defined by thetip, the plunger engages the axial passage walls, extending the tipwalls in a radial direction and thereby engaging the center hub of adisc.
 2. An apparatus for the selective engagement and release of acenter hub of an optical media disc comprising: a pick defining an axialpassage therethrough, the pick having a first terminus and a secondterminus, the second terminus defining a head having a plurality ofaxially defined segments, each segment formed by a pair of slitsextending substantially along the length of the head; and, a groovedefined by an exterior wall of each of said pluralities of axiallydefined segments.
 3. A process of moving an optical media disccomprising: providing a pick having a tip operatively engaged by an arm,the tip defining a plurality of segments, each segment being defined inpart by a pair of spaced slits in communication with a cavity defined bythe tip said cavity housing a plunger, said plunger being positionablebetween a first position within said cavity and a second position withinsaid cavity; placing the tip at a first location adjacent an opticalmedia disc; inserting a portion of the tip through a center ring of theoptical media disc; positioning said plunger from said first position tosaid second position thereby engaging an interior wall portion of saidplurality of segments and expanding radially outwardly said plurality ofsegments; engaging the center ring of the optical media disc by theexpanding plurality of segments; moving the arm and the tip engaging thefirst optical media disc to a second location; withdrawing the plungerfrom an engaging position within the tip; and, releasing the opticalmedia disc from the engagement with the tip.
 4. The apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein said tip defines a taper at a terminus of the tip. 5.The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said tip defines a taperbetween the groove and a terminus of the tip.
 6. The apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein the terminus of the tip defines a blunt surface. 7.The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the terminus of the tipdefines a blunt surface.
 8. The process according to claim 3 wherein theterminus of the tip defines a blunt surface.
 9. The apparatus accordingto claim 2 wherein the groove is engaged by a resilient ring.
 10. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the axial passage of the pickhouses a ball-bearing, the ball-bearing having an outer diameter greaterthan a diameter defined by the axial passage defined within the tip. 11.The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the axial passage of the pickhouses a ball-bearing, the ball-bearing having an outer diameter greaterthan a diameter defined by the axial passage defined within the tip. 12.The process according to claim 3 wherein said cavity houses aball-bearing, the ball-bearing having an outer diameter greater than adiameter cavity portion of said spaced slits.
 13. The apparatusaccording to claim 10 wherein the axial passage of the sleeve furthercarries a pin extending through the base and provides for selectiveengagement of the ball-bearing.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 11wherein the axial passage of the sleeve further carries a pin extendingthrough the base and provides for selective engagement of theball-bearing.
 15. The process according to claim 12 wherein the cavityof said sleeve further carries a pin positioned within the cavity whichprovides for selective engagement of the ball-bearing.
 16. The processaccording to claim 3 wherein the plunger comprises a positional pinwhich engages a ball seated within the cavity of the tip.
 17. Theprocess according to claim 3 wherein the second location is a drive trayfor the optical media disc.
 18. The process according to claim 3 whereinsaid stack of optical media discs is a horizontal stack.
 19. The processaccording to claim 3 wherein the stack of optical media discs is avertical stack.
 20. The process according to claim 3 wherein said arm ismounted on a rail, the arm being positionable along the length of saidrail.
 21. The process according to claim 20 wherein said arm ispivotable about said rail.